Public Servant Lifestyle

Almost one hundred North Wales Police women officers and staff took part in the 'Race for Life' at Rhyl - in order to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Ninety-eight staff participated in total – 64 from the Conwy and Denbighshire County, 32 from Flintshire and Wrexham and two from Gwynedd and Anglesey, with an extra 15 family members and friends also taking part.

PC Petra Ashton, a Schools Liaison Officer in Flintshire who organised the North Wales Police team, and whose mother and 15-year-old daughter also took part said: “The team was created following an article I placed in the force’s running magazine, to highlight the benefits of entering such an event – even if you’re not a particularly good runner. Having also done the race last year, I wanted to highlight the importance of raising money for a worthy cause.”

PC Ashton also arranged for entry registration and for special t-shirts to be made. She added: “It was a great day with a great atmosphere and I am really enthused by the way everyone pulled together. Even though everyone had all different abilities, shapes and sizes we all had a great time. A lot have even said they’ll do it again next year!”

PC Dawn Williams, Diversity Officer for Denbighshire and Conwy also participated in the race, after being diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago,

Wilms Tumour

“Cancer not only affects the individual but also affects friends and family. It was the second time for me to run the race and I feel lucky that I have been able to take part. It has been hard work to get fit and involved a lot of determination but I did it.”

Also participating was Maureen Hasson, Supervisor at the Criminal Justice Unit in Caernarfon. She too had her reasons for running the race: “Seven years ago I lost my eight-month-old grandson to a rare form of cancer called a Wilms tumour. By participating the race I was able to give something back to those who helped care for him during his illness.”

She added: “It was a wonderful day with so many moving stories, told by sufferers and their families, and I feel privileged to have been able to take part.”

Cancer Research UK’s 'Race for Life' is the biggest women-only fundraising event and the race in Rhyl was one of 162 events being held across the country throughout the summer, where women of all ages and levels of fitness take part.

In total the North Wales Police force team aim to raise over £7,500 for the cancer fighting charity.

More information available in Giving